Here are some Top Ten Tips to ensure you have a strong entry.

1: Enter the right category

Make sure you enter the most appropriate category. Some criteria overlap between categories so carefully check the definitions before you start.

Your project may be entered into more than one category; however, each entry must be adapted to the category’s specific objectives.

2: Tell a story

Your entry needs a clear storyline with a beginning, middle and an end. The judges are unlikely to be familiar with your situation, so make sure your entry describes why and what you did, and outlines all the resources employed, the costs and the results.

3: Be concise

The structure of your entry should be clear, concise, and relevant.  Use short sentences and bullet points to convey detail.

4: Be SMART

Everything you submit should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable and Realistic, and a clear time frame.

5: Be honest

Show how the project achieved good value for money and Return On Investment (ROI), but don’t exaggerate – the judges will spot this. If some aspects of the project did not work well, or gave you an idea for improvement next year, then this shows a believable and realistic approach.

6: Explain why

Explain why the idea behind your entry is good and why the implementation was successful. Why did you choose this idea and not something else? Was it aligned with your overall strategy?  Did it answer your business brief? Were objectives and goals achieved? Is this entry a good benchmark for the industry?

7: Don’t forget the power of the supporting material

Make sure you have solid supporting evidence to show how you achieved your objectives.  Images, photographs and/or videos, testimonies and market research results are always great advantages.

8: Allow enough time to create your entry

The best entries are planned well in advance and written with sufficient time for reviewing and editing.

9: Be your own best critic

Ask tough questions. Are you entering because you think you ought to apply, or because you have an excellent project? Is your entry innovative enough? Will it stand out? If you were a jury member would you give it a high score?

10: Test the entry on someone else

Get someone not connected with your work to review your submission. If it makes sense to someone unfamiliar with your centre and the details of your project, you likely have a robust project.